CIDs, NPOs join hands to help homeless

In an effort to help homeless people and children in Claremont two community organisations have partnered with two non-profit organisations.

The Claremont Community Improvement District, through its relationship with the Claremont Improvement District Company (CIDC), has established a partnership with The Haven and U-turn non-profit organisations.

Abdul Kerbelker, chairperson of the community police forum, says The Haven runs a shelter for homeless people and children in the Claremont area, and provides a soup kitchen.

“They also offer 16 bed spaces at their Claremont shelter and further temporary accommodation at their other shelters,” he says.

The Haven can be contacted on 021 671 4209.

Kerbelker says U-turn – in addition to running interventions like second-hand clothing for the homeless – have a successful voucher programme.

“This enables members of the public to give responsibly. The voucher enables the homeless to redeem any number of services from U-turn, including food and clothing,” he says.

U-turn can be contacted 021 683 4948.

He further says that the Claremont Improvement District social development department focuses on helping homeless people in the Claremont central business district, as well as alleviating poverty by supporting skills training and job creation projects.

“We also work in partnership with NGOs and other stakeholders,” Kerbelker says.

The CIDC can be contacted on 0800 200 597.

“We would like to encourage businesses and individuals to donate food, money and clothing to registered organisations, instead of directly to the homeless,” he says.

Kerbelker says they have experienced that direct donations and peace work has the effect of keeping homeless on the streets.

“We would therefore encourage members of the community to make use of the services of NGOs like U-turn and The Haven which are specifically tasked with reducing the number of homeless on the street,” he says.

The City of Cape Town has also made available a 24-hour toll free number (0800 872 201) with trained call centre agents who are able to direct social queries, which includes illness amongst the homeless, unruly behaviour or crime associated with the homeless. These trained call centre operators will provide the caller with a reference number and feedback within 48 hours

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